Ugur’s frustration with president Recep T. Erdoğan (RTE) is understandable, not his interpretation of the Turkish referendum or especially his call for a formal suspension of the EU accession talks. Ugur is kicking a dead-horse. These talks are effectively suspended anyway, and RTE is a grievously wounded politician. He may not last long. In the meantime, […]
Saving EU-Turkish Relations – And The EU Itself
Better relations between Ankara-Brussels require cool heads and bold moves. The Dutch election results are encouraging news, both for the EU and its relations with Ankara. The Dutch have rejected extremism, but it is only a first step. The toxic atmosphere leading up to these elections indicates the huge challenges ahead. Along with Brexit and […]
Getting EU-Turkey Relations Wrong
I disagree with Mehmet Ugur’s analysis and conclusion. Would he still make the same recommendation after the barbaric PKK/TAK killings in Istanbul over the weekend? I disagree with him that forcing Ankara to accept the EU’s conditionality, and by imposing suspension until the Erdogan regime gives in, will work. Conditionality makes things worse. In Turkey’s […]
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